Physics World Weekly Podcast

Leticia Cugliandolo, a statistical physics expert and chief scientific director of JSTAT, joins Marc Mézard from Bocconi University to delve into the evolution of statistical physics. They discuss its applications in active matter and AI, highlighting its significance in modern research. The conversation shifts intriguingly to how intense storms, particularly Storm Ciarán, affect boiling points and, consequently, the quality of tea. The duo reveals fascinating connections between meteorology and our daily rituals, underscoring the science behind every cup.

Elena Blokhina, chief scientific officer at Equal1, and Brandon Grinkemeyer, a PhD student at Harvard, explore exciting developments in quantum computing. Elena discusses the promise of hybrid quantum–classical chips, utilizing quantum dots for efficiency. Brandon sheds light on neutral-atom qubits and their role in quantum optics and atomic physics. They highlight challenges in error correction and the quest for room temperature operation, emphasizing collaborative research shaping the future of this cutting-edge technology.

In August 1977, the Big Ear telescope captured a mysterious signal that sparked intrigue about extraterrestrial life. Scientists debate its origins, with recent research providing new, non-alien explanations. Abel Méndez and his team discuss their findings, linking astronomical observations to natural phenomena. The conversation dives into signal analysis, the limitations of early technology, and the evolving methods in the search for cosmic communication. Plus, there's a nod to CERN's 70th anniversary, blending history with contemporary scientific exploration.

In this engaging discussion, Swiss physicist Christophe Rossel, former president of the European Physical Society and IBM Research scientist, explores how physics can drive societal progress. He delves into the ambitious 'EPS Grand Challenges' book, highlighting how 115 physicists tackle pressing issues like climate change and health crises. Rossel emphasizes the need for clear science communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, revealing how physics intersects with global challenges and can shape a sustainable future.

In this engaging discussion, Margot Taylor, the director of functional neuroimaging at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, reveals the groundbreaking use of optically-pumped magnetometers for monitoring children's brain development. These innovative sensors operate at room temperature and can detect subtle brain activity. David Woolger of Cerca Magnetics explains the technology behind the helmets, while Stuart Nicol from Quantum Exponential shares insights on quantum investments in medical tech. Together, they explore advancements in pediatric brain imaging and the impact on diagnosing conditions like autism and epilepsy.

Claudia de Rham and Ian Walmsley delve into the life of Abdus Salam, the first Pakistani Nobel laureate in physics. They discuss his groundbreaking contributions to the unification of forces and his role in establishing the International Centre for Theoretical Physics. Salam's legacy continues to inspire future generations, especially through initiatives planned for his centenary in 2026. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting physicists in developing countries and preserving Salam's remarkable impact on the global scientific community.

Margaret Arakawa, chief marketing officer at IonQ and a former economist, discusses her transition from classical computing to the quantum sector. She highlights the opportunities for non-physicists in quantum technology and the challenge of communicating its complexities to a general audience. Nat Mendelsohn shares insights on the student experience in physics, focusing on the lingering effects of the pandemic and the importance of inclusivity in academic environments. Together, they explore how the quantum field can attract diverse skill sets to thrive.

Our first guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is Derek Sutherland, who is head of FuZE-Q physics at the US-based company Zap Energy. He explains how the US-based firm is designing a fusion system that does not rely on magnets, cryogenics or high-powered lasers to generate energy. We also chat about the small-scale fusion industry in general, and about career opportunities for physicists in the sector. This episode also features an interview with theoretical physicist and author Claudia de Rham. She talks to Physics World’s Matin Durrani about her new popular-science book The Beauty of Falling. They also chat about her research, which addresses a range of fundamental problems associated with gravity – from quantum to cosmological scales.   This episode is supported by Pfeiffer Vacuum. The company provides all types of vacuum equipment, including hybrid and magnetically-levitated turbopumps, leak detectors and analysis equipment, as well as vacuum chambers and systems. You can explore all of its products on the Pfeiffer Vacuum website.

New and exciting technologies feature in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. Our first guest is the neuroscientist and physicist Jelena Lazovic Zinnanti, who recalls how she discovered (by accident) that nanometre-sized diamond particles shine brightly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments. Based at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, she explains how this diamond dust could someday replace gadolinium as a contrast agent in MRI medical scans. This episode also features an interview with Mahdi Bodaghi of Nottingham Trent University, who is an expert in 4D and 3D printing. He talks about the engineering principles that guide 4D printing and how the technique can be used in a wide range of applications including the treatment of coronary heart disease and the design of flatpack furniture. Bodaghi also explains how 3D printing can be used to create self-healing asphalt. Mahdi Bodaghi is on the editorial board of the journal Smart Materials and Structures. It is published by IOP Publishing, which also brings you Physics World.

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast explores how medical physicists are using exciting new technologies to make precision medicine possible. Our guests are Anna Barnes, Director of the King’s Technology Evaluation Centre at Kings College London and President of IPEM, and Nicky Whilde, who is head of radiotherapy physics at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. In a wide-ranging conversation with Physics World’s Tami Freeman, Whilde and Barnes define the key concepts of precision medicine and explain how they are being implemented by medical physicists using magnetic resonance imaging, radiotherapy and other technologies. This episode was created in collaboration with IPEM, the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine. IPEM owns the journal Physics in Medicine & Biology. This episode is supported by PTW, the dosimetry specialist.